[Geographic Information Science](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geographic-information-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for geographic information science students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geographic information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Pennsylvania State University World Campus, our #1 best value for geographic information science in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Students borrow a median of $26,062 to complete the geographic information science program here. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from Pennsylvania State University World Campus generally make around $73,575. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in geographic information science will find it at Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #2. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kutztown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Geographic Information Science graduates of Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $39,028 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Temple University one of the best values for geographic information science. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete the geographic information science program here. Early-career geographic information science graduates make about $48,154. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geographic information science, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for geographic information science graduates is $16,155. Geographic Information Science graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus one of the best values for geographic information science. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career geographic information science graduates make about $40,962. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best values for geographic information science. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $23,396 in student loans. Geographic Information Science graduates of Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earn a median of $67,164 early in their careers. Set against $23,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.
More Geographic Information Science Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
